Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill said the police response in Ferguson needs to be de-militarized.

Speaking to about 100 people at a meeting of clergy and community members in the nearby St. Louis suburb of Florissant, McCaskill said the police response to the protests in Ferguson have become part of the problem rather than a solution.

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Tensions remain high in the city, days after a white police officer shot and killed an unarmed black teenager.

Dozens of protesters have been arrested and police have used rubber bullets and tear gas on crowds after some tossed rocks, bottles and Molotov cocktails at officers. The response has drawn criticism from many circles.